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About Mary

Mary Penich, a retired teacher and administrator, has published more than 1000 weekly reflections in the St. Paul the Apostle Messenger in addition to articles in the Family Time pull-out of the Lake County News-Sun Newspaper and the Carmelite Review Magazine. Mary published her first children's book I DON'T LIKE MICE in 2009 and her second, OH NO! IT'S THURSDAY!, in 2011. She has also published three daily devotionals, SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT... FOR LENT, SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT... FOR CHRISTMASTIME AND WINTER DAYS, and SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT... FOR LENT AND EASTERTIME. Mary appreciates every opportunity to share her life experiences and faith journey through her writing with both children and adults. Mary, a native of Chicago, now resides in Gurnee, Illinois.

Tag Archives: Time Commitment

Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you for so long
a time and you still do not know me, Philip?”From John 14:9

I shouldn’t have taken the comment to heart, but I did. My friend, who was under some serious duress himself, noted that others in our company joined him in questioning the amount of time I spend on “church stuff”. Because he was going through his own tough times, I should have let it go. Still, after we parted, I gave a good deal of thought to what I do and how it affects those around me.

The truth is that I’d already curtailed the time spent on my parish activities. I had said “no” in response to many requests in order to accommodate my own family, my extended family and my friends. I have held onto only those things which only I can do. I do what I do to keep others from experiencing some of the same suffering that this friend and those whom I love have endured.

In the end, I realized that my friend didn’t mean to hurt me, just as I don’t mean to hurt my loved ones by giving time to the things I consider to be important. Perhaps if I share the reasons I do what I do, all concerned will understand.

Gracious God, fill my friend with the energy he needs to face the strife in his life. Gift me with the wisdom to spend my time where it is needed most.